Aldo and Ilmar at Newport Classical Festival
Violinist Ilmar Gavilán and pianist Aldo López-Gavilán, two of the most gifted Cuban musicians of these times, come together under the artistic name “Gavilán Brothers”, in a duo program of their own compositions; and Aldo López-Gavilán performs the world premiere of a new work by critically acclaimed and award-winning composer, Shawn E. Okpebholo. This piece for solo piano is inspired by the story of Occramer Marycoo, an enslaved African in 18th-century Newport, whose owner dubbed him Newport Gardner. Marycoo, despite his enslavement, became educated, speaking multiple languages, and becoming a trained classical musician. He is credited with being the first African American person to have a composition published in the Western-style. The work was called “Crooked Shanks.” Okpebholo’s work reflects the “paroles of the enslaved, the hope of freedom, and the return home.”
This concert is dedicated to Cynthia A. Sinclair in recognition of her generous support of Newport Classical.
Ilmar Gavilán, violin
Aldo López-Gavilán, piano
Shawn E. Okpebholo, composer
PROGRAM:
GAVILÁN BROTHERS “Brothers”
SHAWN E. OKPEBHOLO “On a Tune by Newport Gardner: Crooked Shanks” [world premiere]
*Program subject to change